Methods and Systems for Facilitating Image Post-Processing

Abstract

Postprocessing of medical images (e.g., MRI and CT images) can be facilitated by a variety of techniques, including training methods which include modular organization and/or online presentation, postprocessing protocols which can be used to specify activities which can be predictably and consistently performed by technologists, and deployment of thin client image processing technology. Additional beneficial results relative to what is possible with the prior art can be obtained by combining one or more of the above approaches.

1 . A system comprising:
 a) an upload interface, said upload interface operable by personnel at a medical imaging facility to specify a scan for medical image postprocessing;   b) a database, said database configured to receive said scan specified through said upload interface;   c) a first server configured to:
 i) convert a notation associated with said scan into a normal form; 
 ii) automatically retrieve from a storage medium a plurality of skill indicators for a plurality of volumetric imaging technologists; 
 iii) automatically allocate said scan to a first volumetric imaging technologist from said plurality of volumetric imaging technologists for medical image postprocessing based on a comparison between a skill indicator for said first volumetric imaging technologist and a medical image postprocessing requirement for said scan; and 
 iv) provide said scan to a second server; 
   d) the second server, wherein said second server comprises
 i) a network connection configured to receive a plurality of commands input by said first volumetric imaging technologist into a volumetric imaging technologist terminal located remotely from said second server; and 
 ii) a processor configured to perform medical image postprocessing operations on said scan by executing said plurality of commands from said first volumetric imaging technologist. 
   
   
   
       2 - 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . A system comprising:
 a) a database, said database storing data correlating one or more volumetric imaging technologists with one or more skill indicators;   b) a server, said server configured to:
 i) allocate a scan to a first volumetric imaging technologist, said scan comprising one or more images, said first volumetric imaging technologist selected from said one or more volumetric imaging technologists based on a relationship between one or more skill indicators for said first volumetric imaging technologist and a set of medical image postprocessing activities to be performed for said scan; 
 ii) provide the scan to the first volumetric imaging technologist in combination with a medical image postprocessing protocol indicating the set of medical image postprocessing activities to be performed for said scan; 
 iii) receive a set of data from said first volumetric imaging technologist, said set of data comprising an image obtained from said scan through performance of said set of medical image postprocessing activities; and 
 iv) store said set of data in a computer readable medium; 
   c) a network connection, said network in communication with said server such that said network connection is configured to transmit said set of data stored on said computer readable medium by said server.   
   
   
       11 - 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . A method comprising:
 a) establishing a connection between a terminal located proximate to a student and a postprocessing server located remotely from the student;   b) providing a set of presentation information to the student, wherein the set of presentation information comprises a module training the student in performance of a medical image postprocessing protocol;   c) providing an evaluation to said student, wherein providing said evaluation to said student comprises providing said student a scan;   d) receiving a set of student input in response to said evaluation, wherein receiving the set of student input comprises receiving, via said connection, a set of commands from said terminal, wherein said set of commands from said terminal comprise postprocessing commands input by said student to execute the medical image postprocessing protocol for said scan;   e) executing, via said postprocessing server, said set of commands;   f) deriving a skill indicator for said student based on said set of student input;   g) transmitting a set of display information from said postprocessing server to said terminal, said set of display information indicating a result of execution of said set of commands; and   h) storing sad skill indicator in a computer readable medium.   
   
   
       19 - 20 . (canceled)